Server device, user device, method for controlling server device, recording medium, and system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a server device, etc., capable of enhancing flexibility of a reward winning game and maintaining a user&#39;s interest in the game. The server device manages rewards to be given to a user, and includes a storage unit for storing a package as a set of data concerning rewards to be given to the user and a modified package as a set of data concerning rewards used to update the package, a communication unit for communicating with a user device of the user, and a package updating unit for updating the package by modifying the data concerning the rewards included in the package by using the data concerning the rewards included in the modified package when a package update request is received from the user device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/261,247, filed Apr. 24, 2014, which claims benefit of JP2013-095237, filed on Apr. 30, 2013, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a server device, a user device, a method forcontrolling a server device, a recording medium, and a system.

BACKGROUND

Servers that provide games to portable devices via communicationnetworks have been widespread in recent years. Games provided by suchservers include, for example, reward winning games (including thosegenerally known as “Gachagacha (registered trademark in Japan)”) (forexample, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.2012-221132). A reward winning game is a game in which a reward selectedfrom a set of rewards by random lottery is given to a user.

Recently, a package-type reward winning game has been proposed in whicha list showing the kinds of rewards and the number of rewards to begiven is presented in advance to the user and rewards selected from thelist are given to the user without duplication among the rewards. Morespecifically, in the package-type reward winning game, a package (a setor group) of rewards is made available for each user, and any rewardonce given to the user is deleted from the package so that the samereward will not be given to the user in a duplicate manner. Thepackage-type reward winning game has the feature that no duplicationoccurs among the rewards won and that a user can eventually receive evenrare rewards without fail.

SUMMARY

In the package-type reward winning game, a user is allowed to reset thepackage. The user is also allowed to replace the package with anotherpackage. However, in either case, the user has to try the reward winninggame over again from the beginning. Accordingly, for example, if theuser wants to regain any reward already won or wants to receive a rewardnot included in the package, the user cannot receive such rewards unlessthe user abandons all of the rewards so far won. In this way, the priorart reward winning game lacks flexibility and limits the user'sactivity. As a result, with the prior art reward winning game, it hasbeen difficult to maintain the user's interest by providing a newpackage, etc., and there has therefore been the possibility that theuser may soon become bored with the game.

The present invention has been devised to overcome the above prior artproblem, and an object of the invention is to provide a server device, auser device, a method for controlling a server device, a recordingmedium, and a system capable of enhancing flexibility of a rewardwinning game and maintaining user's interest in the game.

Provided is a server device for managing rewards to be given to a user,including a storage unit for storing a package as a set of dataconcerning rewards to be given to the user and a modified package as aset of data concerning rewards used to update the package, acommunication unit for communicating with a user device of the user, anda package updating unit for updating the package by modifying the dataconcerning the rewards included in the package by using the dataconcerning the rewards included in the modified package when a packageupdate request is received from the user device.

Preferably, in the above server device, the package updating unit addsthe data concerning the rewards included in the modified package to thepackage.

Preferably, in the above server device, the package updating unitdeletes, from the package, data corresponding to the data concerning therewards included in the modified package.

Preferably, in the above server device, the modified package includesfirst data as data corresponding to data concerning a reward to bereplaced from the package and second data as data concerning a reward bywhich the reward to be replaced is replaced, and the package updatingunit replaces, in the package, the data corresponding to the first dataincluded in the modified package by the second data included in themodified package.

Preferably, in the above server device, the storage unit stores aplurality of modified packages, and the package updating unit updatesthe package by using the modified package selected by the user fromamong the plurality of modified packages.

Preferably, the above server device further includes a rewarding unitfor selecting one of the data concerning the rewards included in thepackage when a reward request is received from the user device, and forgiving the reward corresponding to data concerning the selected rewardto the user, while at the same time, deleting the data concerning theselected reward from the package.

Preferably, the above server device further includes a packageconfirming unit for creating a list of rewards corresponding to the dataconcerning the rewards included in the package when a packageconfirmation request is received from the user device, and fortransmitting the created list of rewards to the user device.

Preferably, the above server device further includes a package resettingunit for reinstating data concerning any reward previously deleted fromthe package to the package when a package resetting request is receivedfrom the user device.

Provided is a server device for managing rewards to be given to a user,including a means for storing a package as a set of data concerningrewards to be given to the user and a modified package as a set of dataconcerning rewards used to update the package, a means for communicatingwith a user device of the user, and a means for updating the package bymodifying the data concerning the rewards included in the package byusing the data concerning the rewards included in the modified packagewhen a package update request is received from the user device.

A user device of a user capable of communicating with a server devicefor managing rewards to be given to the user is also provided. Theserver device includes a storage unit for storing a package as a set ofdata concerning rewards to be given to the user and a modified packageas a set of data concerning rewards used to update the package. The userdevice includes a communication unit for transmitting a package updaterequest to the server device, and for receiving information on anupdated package which is generated by the server device modifying thedata concerning the rewards included in the package by using the dataconcerning the rewards included in the modified package, and aprocessing unit for controlling the communication unit.

A method for controlling a server device for managing rewards to begiven to a user is also provided. The server device includes a storageunit for storing a package as a set of data concerning rewards to begiven to the user and a modified package as a set of data concerningrewards used to update the package. The method includes the steps ofreceiving a package update request from a user device of the user, andupdating the package by modifying the data concerning the rewardsincluded in the package by using the data concerning the rewardsincluded in the modified package.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a program for controlling a server device for managing rewardsto be given to a user is also provided. The server device includes astorage unit for storing a package as a set of data concerning rewardsto be given to the user and a modified package as a set of dataconcerning rewards used to update the package. The program causes theserver device to execute a process. The process including the steps ofreceiving a package update request from a user device of the user, andupdating the package by modifying the data concerning the rewardsincluded in the package by using the data concerning the rewardsincluded in the modified package.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a program for controlling a user device of a user capable ofcommunicating with a server device for managing rewards to be given to auser is also provided. The server device includes a storage unit forstoring a package as a set of data concerning rewards to be given to theuser and a modified package as a set of data concerning rewards used toupdate the package. The program causes the user device to execute aprocess. The process includes the steps of transmitting a package updaterequest to the server device, and receiving information on an updatedpackage which is generated by the server device modifying the dataconcerning the rewards included in the package by using the dataconcerning the rewards included in the modified package.

A system including a server device for managing rewards to be given to auser, and a user device of the user is also provided. The server deviceincludes a storage unit for storing a package as a set of dataconcerning rewards to be given to the user and a modified package as aset of data concerning rewards used to update the package, acommunication unit for communicating with the user device of the user,and a package updating unit for updating the package by modifying thedata concerning the rewards included in the package by using the dataconcerning the rewards included in the modified package when a packageupdate request is received from the user device. The user deviceincludes a communication unit for communicating with the server device,and a package update requesting unit for transmitting the package updaterequest to the server device.

By making it possible to apply various types of operation such as theaddition of rewards to the existing package, the above server device,user device, method for controlling a server device, recording medium,and system can enhance flexibility of a reward winning game and maintaina user's interest in the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the ensuing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of agame system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration ofthe portable device;

FIG. 3a is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration ofthe server;

FIGS. 3b to 3d are diagrams showing examples of the data structures ofthe various tables;

FIGS. 4a to 4d are diagrams showing examples of the display screensproduced on the portable device;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are diagrams showing other examples of the displayscreens produced on the portable device;

FIGS. 6a to 6k are diagrams showing an example of how the state of apackage transitions;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of operationsperformed in the game system;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are diagrams showing an example of an operation flow ofthe server; and

FIGS. 9a to 9d are diagrams showing another example of an operation flowof the server.

DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a server device, a userdevice, a method for controlling a server device, a recording medium,and a system will be described. It should be noted that the technicalscope of the present invention is not limited to embodiments of theinvention but covers the invention described in the claims and itsequivalent.

In the present embodiment, the user plays a package-type reward winninggame. Further, the user updates the package as needed. A portabledevice, in accordance with an instruction from the user, requests aserver to give a reward, update the package, etc. In response to therequest received from the portable device, the server performsprocessing for giving a reward, updating the package, etc.

The updating of the package is performed by applying a modified packageto the package. The modified package defines a set of rewards and thetype of operation (“addition”, “deletion”, or “replacement”) to beapplied to the existing package, and is classified as an additionpackage, a deletion package, or a replacement package according to thetype of operation. The addition package is one that adds a reward to theexisting package. The deletion package is one that deletes a reward fromthe existing package. The replacement package is one that replaces areward included in the existing package by another reward.

The user can obtain such a modified package by various means. Forexample, the user can obtain it by playing a battle game. Further, theuser can possess more than one modified package. The user can use thepossessed modified package at any desired time. In this way, by makingit possible to apply various types of operation such as the addition ofrewards to the existing package by using such modified packages, theflexibility of the reward winning game can be enhanced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of agame system 1.

The game system 1 includes at least one portable device 2 and a server3. The portable device 2 and the server 3 are interconnected via acommunication network, for example, via a base station 4, a mobilecommunication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. A program (forexample, a browsing program) executed on the portable device 2 and aprogram (for example, a game program) executed on the server 3communicate with each other by using a communication protocol such asHypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration ofthe portable device 2.

The portable device 2 is connected to the server 3 via the base station4, the mobile communication network 5, the gateway 6, and the Internet7, to communicate with the server 3. In accordance with an operation ofan operation unit 23 (a button, etc.) by the user, the portable device 2requests the server 3 to give a reward, update the package, etc. Theportable device 2 receives display data concerning giving a reward,updating the package, etc., from the server 3, and displays the data.For this purpose, the portable device 2 includes a device communicationunit 21, a device storage unit 22, the operation unit 23, a display unit24, and a device processing unit 25.

In the present embodiment, the portable device 2 is assumed to be amulti-function mobile telephone (“smartphone”), but the presentinvention is not limited to this particular type of device. The portabledevice 2 may be, for example, an ordinary mobile phone (“featurephone”), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable game machine, aportable music player, a tablet PC, or the like, as long as the presentinvention can be applied thereto.

The device communication unit 21 includes a communication interfacecircuit which includes an antenna having sensitivity to a designatedfrequency band, and connects the portable device 2 to the wirelesscommunication network. The device communication unit 21 establishes awireless signal circuit with the base station 4 in accordance with acommunication scheme such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) byusing a channel allocated by the base station 4, and communicates withthe base station 4. Then, the device communication unit 21 transmitsdata supplied from the device processing unit 25 to the server 3, etc.Further, the device communication unit 21 supplies data received fromthe server 3, etc., to the device processing unit 25.

The device storage unit 22 includes at least one device selected, forexample, from among a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, andan optical disk device. The device storage unit 22 stores an operatingsystem program, driver programs, application programs, data, etc., to beused for processing in the device processing unit 25. For example, thedevice storage unit 22 stores driver programs such as an input devicedriver program for controlling the operation unit 23 and an outputdevice driver program for controlling the display unit 24. Further, thedevice storage unit 22 stores application programs such as a browsingprogram for retrieving and displaying display data concerning giving areward, updating the package, etc. Furthermore, the device storage unit22 stores data such as display data, video data, image data, etc.,concerning giving a reward, updating the package, etc. The devicestorage unit 22 may further store temporary data associated withprescribed processing.

The operation unit 23 may be, for example, a touch pad, a keyboard, orany other suitable device that can operate the portable device 2. Theuser can input letters, numerals, etc., by using the operating unit 23.When operated by the user, the operation unit 23 generates a signalcorresponding to the operation. The generated signal is supplied as auser instruction to the device processing unit 25.

The display unit 24 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, anorganic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or any other suitable devicethat can display video, images, etc. The display unit 24 displays video,images, etc., corresponding to the video data and the image datasupplied from the device processing unit 25.

The device processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and theirperipheral circuits. The device processing unit 25 centrally controlsthe entire operation of the portable device 2, and is, for example, aCPU (Central Processing Unit). The device processing unit 25 controlsthe operation of the device communication unit 21, the display unit 24,etc., so that various kinds of processing of the portable device 2 areperformed in appropriate procedures in accordance with the programsstored in the device storage unit 22 and with the operation of theoperation unit 23, etc. The device processing unit 25 executesprocessing based on the programs (the operating system program, driverprograms, application programs, etc.) stored in the device storage unit22. The device processing unit 25 can execute multiple programs(application programs, etc.) in parallel.

The device processing unit 25 includes at least a browsing executingunit 251. This unit is a functional module implemented by a programexecuted on the processor included in the device processing unit 25.Alternatively, this unit may be implemented as firmware in the portabledevice 2.

The browsing executing unit 251 retrieves and displays display dataconcerning giving a reward, updating the package, etc. That is, inresponse to an instruction from the user, the browsing executing unit251 transmits a request to the server 3 via the device communicationunit 21 to retrieve the display data concerning giving a reward,updating the package, etc. The browsing executing unit 251 receives thecorresponding display data from the server 3 via the devicecommunication unit 21. The browsing executing unit 251 creates drawingdata based on the received display data. More specifically, the browsingexecuting unit 251 interprets the received display data to identifycontrol data and content data, and creates the drawing data by layingout the identified content data in accordance with the identifiedcontrol data. Then, the browsing executing unit 251 outputs the createddrawing data to the display unit 24.

FIG. 3a is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration ofthe server 3.

In response to the request from the portable device 2, the server 3performs processing for giving a reward, updating the package, etc. Atthe same time, the server 3 creates the display data concerning giving areward, updating the package, etc., and transmits the display data tothe portable device 2. For this purpose, the server 3 includes a servercommunication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, and a server processingunit 33.

The server communication unit 31 includes a communication interfacecircuit for connecting the server 3 to the Internet 7, and communicateswith the Internet 7. Then, the server communication unit 31 supplies thedata received from the portable device 2, etc., to the server processingunit 33. Further, the server communication unit 31 transmits the datasupplied from the server processing unit 33 to the portable device 2,etc.

The server storage unit 32 includes at least one device selected, forexample, from among a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, andan optical disk device. The serer storage unit 32 stores an operatingsystem program, driver programs, application programs, data, etc., to beused for processing in the server processing unit 33. For example, theserver storage unit 32 stores application programs such as a gameprogram for giving a reward, updating the package, etc., and forcreating display data concerning the results. Furthermore, the serverstorage unit 32 stores data in the form of tables such as a user table(FIG. 3b ) for managing the users, a reward table (FIG. 3c ) formanaging the rewards, and a modified package table (FIG. 3d ) formanaging the modified packages. The server storage unit 32 may furtherstore temporary data associated with prescribed processing.

FIGS. 3b to 3d are diagrams showing examples of the data structures ofthe various tables.

FIG. 3b shows the user table for managing the users. The user tablestores for each user such data as the identification number (ID) andname of the user, the filename of image data, the ID of the reward givento the user, the ID and giving status (“not-yet-given”, “given”, or“deleted”) of each reward included in the package, and the ID of eachmodified package that the user possesses.

FIG. 3c shows the reward table for managing the rewards. The rewardtable stores for each reward such data as the ID and name of the rewardand the filename of image data.

FIG. 3d shows the modified package table for managing the modifiedpackages. The modified package table stores for each modified packagesuch data as the ID and name of the modified package, the type ofoperation (“addition”, “deletion”, or “replacement”) to be applied tothe existing package, and the ID of the included reward (in the case of“addition” or “deletion”) or the ID of the reward to be replaced and theID of the replaced reward (in the case of “replacement”).

The server processing unit 33 includes one or more processors and theirperipheral circuits. The server processing unit 33 centrally controlsthe entire operation of the server 3, and is, for example, a CPU. Theserver processing unit 33 controls the operation of the servercommunication unit 31, etc., so that various kinds of processing of theserver 3 are performed in appropriate procedures in accordance with theprograms stored in the server storage unit 32, etc. The serverprocessing unit 33 executes processing based on the programs (theoperating system program, driver programs, application programs, etc.)stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 canexecute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

FIGS. 4a to 4d and FIGS. 5a and 5b are diagrams showing examples of thedisplay screens produced on the portable device 2 based on the displaydata created by the server 3.

FIG. 4a shows a home screen 400 which is displayed when the rewardwinning game is started. The home screen 400 is displayed based on thehome screen display data received from the server 3. The screen displaysthe reward winning status which includes, for each reward, an image 401and a name 402 of the reward and numbers (the number of pieces so farwon versus the total number) 403. Buttons 404 to 407 are displayed atthe bottom of the screen. A reward request, a package confirmationrequest, a modified package selection request, or a package resetrequest (for example, to reset the state from the state in which rewardsare being given from the package back to the state before the rewardsare given) is sent to the server 3 by depressing the “GIVE” button 404,the “CONFIRM” button 405, the “UPDATE” button 406, or the “RESET” button407, respectively.

The image 401 of each reward may be sized differently according to therarity of the reward or like criteria. For example, the higher therarity of the reward, the larger the image of the reward may be made.

FIG. 4b shows a rewarding screen 410 which is displayed in response tothe reward request entered from the home screen 400. The rewardingscreen 410 is displayed based on the screen display data for givingreward received from the server 3. A text 411 to the effect that areward has been won is displayed at the top of the screen, and an image412 of the reward is displayed in the center of the screen. A “RETURN”button 413 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. By depressing the“RETURN” button 413, a request to return to the home screen 400 is sentto the server 3 via the device communication unit 21.

FIG. 4c shows a package confirmation screen 420 which is display inresponse to the package confirmation request entered from the homescreen 400. The package confirmation screen 420 is displayed based onthe screen display data for confirming package received from the server3. The screen displays the reward remaining status which includes, foreach reward, an image 421 and a name 422 of the reward and numbers (thenumber of remaining pieces versus the total number) 423. A “RETURN”button 424 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. By depressing the“RETURN” button 424, a request to return to the home screen 400 is sentto the server 3 via the device communication unit 21.

FIG. 4d shows a package resetting screen 430 which is displayed inresponse to the package reset request entered from the home screen 400.The package resetting screen 430 is displayed based on the screendisplay data for resetting package received from the server 3. A text431 to the effect that the package has been reset is displayed at thetop of the screen, and the reward remaining status which includes, foreach reward, an image 432 and a name 433 of the reward and numbers (thenumber of remaining pieces versus the total number) 434 is displayed inthe center of the screen. A “RETURN” button 435 is displayed at thebottom of the screen. By depressing the “RETURN” button 435, a requestto return to the home screen 400 is sent to the server 3 via the devicecommunication unit 21.

Instead of the reward remaining status, the reward winning status (theimage and name of each reward, the numbers (the number of pieces so farwon versus the total number), etc.) may be displayed on the packageresetting screen 430.

FIG. 5a shows a modified package selection screen 500 which is displayedin response to the modified package selection request entered from thehome screen 400. The modified package selection screen 500 is displayedbased on the screen display data for selecting modified package receivedfrom the server 3. The screen displays, for each modified package, aname 501 of the modified package, the type of operation 502 to beapplied to the existing package, an image 503 and a name 504 of eachincluded reward, the number of pieces 505, a radio button 506, etc. Bydepressing the radio button 506, the corresponding modified package isselected. An “APPLY” button 507 is displayed at the bottom of thescreen. By depressing the “APPLY” button 507, a request to apply theselected modified package is sent to the server 3 via the devicecommunication unit 21.

The modified packages may be displayed in order of rarity or othercriteria. For example, modified packages with higher rarity scores maybe displayed at higher positions on the screen. The rarity score of eachmodified package may be computed based on the rarity scores of therewards included in it. For example, it may be computed as the sum ofthe rarity scores of the rewards in the case of the addition package, asthe reciprocal of the sum of the rarity scores of the rewards in thecase of the deletion package, or as the sum of the rarity scores ofreplaced rewards in the case of the replacement package.

FIG. 5b shows a package updating screen 510 which is displayed uponapplication of the modified package selected from the modified packageselection screen 500. The package updating screen 510 is displayed basedon the screen display data for updating package received from the server3. A text 511 to the effect that the package has been updated isdisplayed at the top of the screen, and the reward remaining statuswhich includes, for each reward, an image 512 and a name 513 of thereward and numbers (the number of remaining pieces versus the totalnumber) 514 is displayed in the center of the screen. A “RETURN” button515 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. By depressing the “RETURN”button 515, a request to return to the home screen 400 is sent to theserver 3 via the device communication unit 21.

Instead of the reward remaining status, the reward winning status (theimage and name of each reward, the numbers (the number of pieces so farwon versus the total number), etc.) may be displayed on the packageupdating screen 510.

FIGS. 6a to 6k are diagrams showing an example of how the state of apackage transitions.

FIG. 6a shows the initial state of the package. The package includesrewards “a” to

Suppose that a reward winning game was applied to this package (FIG. 6b) and the reward “c” was won. FIG. 6c shows the resulting state of thepackage. The reward “c” has been deleted from the package.

Next, suppose that a modified package (addition package) for addingrewards “i” and “j” was applied to the package (FIG. 6d ). FIG. 6e showsthe resulting state of the package. The rewards “i” and “j” have beenadded at the end of the package.

Next, suppose that a modified package (deletion package) for deletingthe rewards “e” and “f” was applied to the package (FIG. 6f ). FIG. 6gshows the resulting state of the package. The rewards “e” and “f” havebeen deleted from the package.

Next, suppose that a modified package (replacement package) forreplacing the reward “h” by a reward “k” was applied to the package(FIG. 6h ). FIG. 6i shows the resulting state of the package. The reward“h” included in the package has been replaced by the reward “k”.

Lastly, suppose that a package resetting operation was applied to thepackage (FIG. 6j ). FIG. 6k shows the resulting state of the package.The rewards “c”, “e”, and “f” that have been deleted as a result of theapplication of the reward winning game and the deletion package are nowreinstated in the package. On the other hand, the rewards “i” and “j”added as a result of the application of the addition package and thereward k included by replacement as a result of the application of thereplacement package are retained in the package.

However, the rewards added as a result of the application of theaddition package or included by replacement as a result of theapplication of the replacement package may not be retained in thepackage. For example, the package may be reset to the initial state.

To implement the above-illustrated functions, the server processing unit33 includes a control unit 331, a game starting unit 332, a gameproceeding unit 333, a rewarding unit 334, a package confirming unit335, a package updating unit 336, and a package resetting unit 337.These units are functional modules implemented by a program executed onthe processor included in the server processing unit 33. Alternatively,these units may be implemented as firmware in the server 3.

The process performed by the control unit 331 will be described below.The control unit 331 controls the proceeding of the reward winning game,and instructs the game starting unit 332, the game proceeding unit 333,etc., to perform necessary processing.

When a user authentication request is received from the portable device2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 interpretsthe received user authentication request and identifies the user ID andpassword. Then, by using the identified user ID and password asparameters, the control unit 331 instructs a user authenticating unit(not shown) to perform the necessary processing.

When the user has been authenticated by the user authenticating unit,the control unit 331 instructs the game starting unit 332 to execute thecorresponding process by using the identified user ID as a parameter.

The control unit 331 transmits the home screen display data returnedfrom the game starting unit 332, to the portable device 2 via the servercommunication unit 31.

On the other hand, when a game proceeding request is received from theportable device 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit331 instructs the game proceeding unit 333 to execute the correspondingprocess by using the received game proceeding request as a parameter.

The control unit 331 transmits the screen display data for givingreward, etc., returned from the game proceeding unit 333, to theportable device 2 via the server communication unit 31.

The process performed by the game starting unit 332 will be describedbelow. The game starting unit 332 tabulates the winning status of therewards included in the package, and creates display data for the homescreen that displays the results along with the buttons for acceptingvarious instructions.

The game starting unit 332 creates the home screen display data. Morespecifically, the game starting unit 332 refers to the user table storedin the server storage unit 32 by using the received user ID as the key,and identifies the corresponding user. Further, the game starting unit332 refers to the giving status of the rewards included in theidentified user's package, and identifies “not-yet-given” and “given”rewards, respectively. Next, the game starting unit 332 refers to thereward table stored in the server storage unit 32 by using the ID ofeach identified reward as the key, and extracts the name of thecorresponding reward and the filename of the associated image data.Then, the game starting unit 332 creates the home screen display data,including the received user ID, etc., for displaying the name of eachidentified reward, the image designated by its filename, the numbers(the number of pieces so far given versus the sum of the number ofpieces so far given and the number of pieces not yet given), the buttonsfor accepting various instructions (rewarding, package confirmation,updating, and resetting), etc., in a prescribed layout.

The game starting unit 332 terminates the process after returning thecreated home screen display data to the control unit 331.

The process performed by the game proceeding unit 333 will be describedbelow. The game proceeding unit 333 causes the reward winning game toproceed in accordance with a game proceeding request.

The game proceeding unit 333 interprets the received game proceedingrequest and identifies the type of instruction and the user ID. If thetype of instruction identified is the “rewarding”, the game proceedingunit 333 instructs the rewarding unit 334 to execute the correspondingprocess by using the identified user ID as a parameter.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is the “packageconfirmation”, the game proceeding unit 333 instructs the packageconfirming unit 335 to execute the corresponding process by using theidentified user ID as a parameter.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is the“modified package selection”, the game proceeding unit 333 instructs thepackage updating unit 336 to execute the corresponding process by usingthe type of instruction identified and the identified user ID asparameters.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is the“modified package application”, the game proceeding unit 333 interpretsthe received game proceeding request and identifies the modified packageID as well. Then, the game proceeding unit 333 instructs the packageupdating unit 336 to execute the corresponding process by using the typeof instruction identified, the identified modified package ID, and theidentified user ID as parameters.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is the “packageresetting”, the game proceeding unit 333 instructs the package resettingunit 337 to execute the corresponding process by using the identifieduser ID as a parameter.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is none of theabove, i.e., if it is the “return to home screen”, the game proceedingunit 333 instructs the game starting unit 332 to execute thecorresponding process by using the identified user ID as a parameter.

The game starting unit 332 terminates the process after passing thescreen display data for giving reward, etc., returned from the rewardingunit 334, etc., on to the control unit 331.

The process performed by the rewarding unit 334 will be described below.The rewarding unit 334 gives a reward selected from the package to theuser, and creates display data for the rewarding screen that displaysthe result.

The rewarding unit 334 gives the reward to the user. More specifically,the rewarding unit 334 refers to the user table stored in the serverstorage unit 32 by using the received user ID as the key, and identifiesthe corresponding user. Further, the rewarding unit 334 refers to thegiving status of the rewards included in the identified user's package,and identifies “not-yet-given” rewards. Then, the rewarding unit 334selects a reward from among the identified rewards by random lottery byusing a pseudo-random number generated using the current time or thelike as a seed. The rewarding unit 334 stores the ID of the selectedreward as the ID of the reward given to the identified user. Further,the rewarding unit 334 changes the giving status of the selected rewardto “given”.

The rewarding unit 334 creates the screen display data for givingreward. More specifically, the rewarding unit 334 refers to the rewardtable stored in the server storage unit 32 by using the ID of theselected reward as the key, and extracts the name of the correspondingreward and the filename of the associated image data. Then, therewarding unit 334 creates the screen display data for giving reward,including the received user ID, etc., for displaying the extracted name,the image designated by its filename, the text to the effect that thereward has been won, the button for accepting the “return to homescreen” instruction, etc., in a prescribed layout.

The rewarding unit 334 terminates the process after returning thecreated screen display data for giving reward to the game proceedingunit 333.

The process performed by the package confirming unit 335 will bedescribed below. The package confirming unit 335 tabulates the remainingstatus of the rewards included in the package, and creates display datafor the package confirmation screen that displays the results.

The package confirming unit 335 creates the screen display data forconfirming package. More specifically, the package confirming unit 335refers to the user table stored in the server storage unit 32 by usingthe received user ID as the key, and identifies the corresponding user.Further, the package confirming unit 335 refers to the giving status ofthe rewards included in the identified user's package, and identifies“not-yet-given” and “given” rewards, respectively. Next, the packageconfirming unit 335 refers to the reward table stored in the serverstorage unit 32 by using the ID of each identified reward as the key,and extracts the name of the corresponding reward and the filename ofthe associated image data. Then, the package confirming unit 335 createsthe screen display data for confirming package, including the receiveduser ID, etc., for displaying the name of each identified reward, theimage designated by its filename, the numbers (the number of pieces notyet given versus the sum of the number of pieces so far given and thenumber of pieces not yet given), the button for accepting the “return tohome screen” instruction, etc., in a prescribed layout.

The package confirming unit 335 terminates the process after returningthe created screen display data for confirming package to the gameproceeding unit 333.

The process performed by the package updating unit 336 will be describedbelow. The package updating unit 336 creates display data for themodified package selection screen that presents a list of availablemodified packages to the user and prompts the user to select a desiredone from it. Further, the package updating unit 336 updates the packageby using the selected modified package, tabulates the remaining statusof the rewards included in the package, and creates display data for thepackage updating screen that displays the results.

If the type of instruction is the “modified package selection”, thepackage updating unit 336 creates the screen display data for selectingmodified package. More specifically, the package updating unit 336refers to the user table stored in the server storage unit 32 by usingthe received user ID as the key, and identifies the corresponding user.Further, the package updating unit 336 extracts the ID of the modifiedpackage that the identified user possesses. The package updating unit336 refers to the modified package table stored in the server storageunit 32 by using the extracted modified package ID as the key, andextracts the name of the corresponding modified package, the type ofoperation to be applied to the existing package, and the ID of eachincluded reward. Next, the package updating unit 336 refers to thereward table stored in the server storage unit 32 by using the ID ofeach identified reward as the key, and extracts the name of thecorresponding reward and the filename of the associated image data.Then, the package updating unit 336 creates the screen display data forselecting modified package, including the extracted modified package IDand the received user ID, etc., for displaying the name of the modifiedpackage identified by the extracted ID, the type of operation, the nameof each reward, the image designated by its filename, the numbers, theradio button for accepting the modified package selection instruction,the button for accepting the selected modified package applicationinstruction, etc., in a prescribed layout.

On the other hand, if the type of instruction is not the “modifiedpackage selection”, that is, if it is the “modified packageapplication”, the package updating unit 336 applies the selectedmodified package to the package. More specifically, the package updatingunit 336 refers to the modified package table stored in the serverstorage unit 32 by using the received modified package ID as the key,and identifies the corresponding modified package. Further, the packageupdating unit 336 extracts the type of operation to be applied to theexisting package by the identified modified package. If the type ofoperation thus extracted is the “addition”, the package updating unit336 extracts the ID of each reward included in the identified modifiedpackage. Next, the package updating unit 336 refers to the user tablestored in the server storage unit 32 by using the received user ID asthe key, and identifies the corresponding user. Then, the packageupdating unit 336 stores the extracted reward ID as the ID of the rewardincluded in the identified user's package. The package updating unit 336sets the corresponding giving status to “not-yet-given”.

On the other hand, if the type of operation is the “deletion”, thepackage updating unit 336 extracts the ID of each reward included in theidentified modified package. Next, the package updating unit 336 refersto the user table stored in the server storage unit 32 by using thereceived user ID as the key, and identifies the corresponding user.Further, the package updating unit 336 refers to the giving status ofthe rewards included in the identified user's package, and identifies“not-yet-given” rewards. Then, the package updating unit 336 matches theextracted reward ID against the IDs of the identified rewards, andchanges the giving status of the first matching reward to “deleted”.

On the other hand, if the type of operation is neither of the above,that is, if it is the “replacement”, the package updating unit 336extracts the ID of the reward to be replaced and the ID of the replacedreward included in the identified modified package. Next, the packageupdating unit 336 refers to the user table stored in the server storageunit 32 by using the received user ID as the key, and identifies thecorresponding user. Further, the package updating unit 336 refers to thegiving status of the rewards included in the identified user's package,and identifies “not-yet-given” rewards. Then, the package updating unit336 matches the extracted ID of the reward to be replaced against theIDs of the identified rewards, and replaces the first matching reward IDby the replaced reward ID. The package updating unit 336 does not changethe corresponding giving status.

The package updating unit 336 deletes the received modified package IDfrom the list of the IDs of the modified packages that the identifieduser possesses.

The package updating unit 336 creates the screen display data forupdating package. More specifically, the package updating unit 336refers to the giving status of the rewards included in the identifieduser's package, and identifies “not-yet-given” and “given” rewards,respectively. Next, the package updating unit 336 refers to the rewardtable stored in the server storage unit 32 by using the ID of eachidentified reward as the key, and extracts the name of the correspondingreward and the filename of the associated image data. Then, the packageupdating unit 336 creates the screen display data for updating package,including the received user ID, etc., for displaying the name of eachidentified reward, the image designated by its filename, the numbers(the number of pieces not yet given versus the sum of the number ofpieces so far given and the number of pieces not yet given), the text tothe effect that the package has been updated, the button for acceptingthe “return to home screen” instruction, etc., in a prescribed layout.

The package updating unit 336 may create screen display data forupdating package for displaying the reward winning status, not thereward remaining status. In this case, the package updating unit 336creates screen display data for updating package for displaying thenumbers of rewards (the number of pieces so far given versus the sum ofthe number of pieces so far given and the number of pieces not yetgiven).

The package updating unit 336 terminates the process after returning thecreated screen display data for selecting modified package, etc., to thegame proceeding unit 333.

The process performed by the package resetting unit 337 will bedescribed below. The package resetting unit 337 resets the package,tabulates the rewards included in the package, and creates display datafor the package resetting screen that displays the results.

The package resetting unit 337 resets the package. More specifically,the package resetting unit 337 refers to the user table stored in theserver storage unit 32 by using the received user ID as the key, andidentifies the corresponding user. Next, the package resetting unit 337refers to the giving status of the rewards included in the identifieduser's package, and identifies “given” or “deleted” rewards. Then, thepackage resetting unit 337 changes the giving status of each identifiedreward to “not-yet-given”.

The package resetting unit 337 creates the screen display data forresetting package. More specifically, the package resetting unit 337identifies the rewards included in the identified user's package. Next,the package resetting unit 337 refers to the reward table stored in theserver storage unit 32 by using the ID of each identified reward as thekey, and extracts the name of the corresponding reward and the filenameof the associated image data. Then, the package resetting unit 337creates the screen display data for resetting package, including thereceived user ID, etc., for displaying the name of each identifiedreward, the image designated by its filename, the numbers (totalnumber/total number), the text to the effect that the package has beenreset, the button for accepting the “return to home screen” instruction,etc., in a prescribed layout.

The package resetting unit 337 may create screen display data forresetting package for displaying the reward winning status, not thereward remaining status. In this case, the package resetting unit 337creates screen display data for resetting package for displaying thenumbers of rewards (0/total number).

The package resetting unit 337 terminates the process after returningthe created screen display data for resetting package to the gameproceeding unit 333.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the sequence of operations performed in thegame system 1. The sequence of operations hereinafter described isexecuted primarily by the device processing unit 25 and the serverprocessing unit 33 by collaborating with the various component elementsof the portable device 2 and the server 3 in accordance with theprograms prestored in the device storage unit 22 and the server storageunit 32, respectively.

The user operates the operation unit 23 to instruct the deviceprocessing unit 25 to execute the browsing program. The deviceprocessing unit 25 starts the process based on the browsing program.More specifically, when the user ID and password are entered by the useroperating the operation unit 23, the browsing executing unit 251, whichis implemented by the browsing program, transmits a user authenticationrequest including the entered user ID and password to the server 3 viathe device communication unit 21 (step S700).

When the user authentication request is received from the portabledevice 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331interprets the received user authentication request and identifies theuser ID and password. Then, by using the identified user ID and passwordas parameters, the control unit 331 instructs the user authenticatingunit (not shown) to perform the necessary processing (step S702).

When the user has been authenticated by the user authenticating unit,the control unit 331 instructs the game starting unit 332 to execute thecorresponding process by using the identified user ID as a parameter(step S704).

FIG. 8a is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of the gamestarting unit 332.

The game starting unit 332 creates the home screen display data (stepS800).

The game starting unit 332 terminates the process after returning thecreated home screen display data to the control unit 331 (step S802).

Turning back to FIG. 7, the control unit 331 transmits the home screendisplay data returned from the game starting unit 332, to the portabledevice 2 via the server communication unit 31 (step S706).

When the home screen display data is received from the server 3 via thedevice communication unit 21, the browsing executing unit 251 createsdrawing data based on the received home screen display data. Thebrowsing executing unit 251 outputs the drawing data to the display unit24 to display the home screen (step S708).

When an instruction such as “rewarding” is entered from the home screenby the user operating the operation unit 23, the browsing executing unit251 transmits the game proceeding request including the type ofinstruction such as “rewarding” and the user ID included in the homescreen display data, to the server 3 via the device communication unit21 (step S710).

When the game proceeding request is received from the portable device 2via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs thegame proceeding unit 333 to execute the corresponding process by usingthe received game proceeding request as a parameter (step S712).

FIG. 8b is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of the gameproceeding unit 333.

The game proceeding unit 333 interprets the received game proceedingrequest and identifies the type of instruction (step S810).

If the type of instruction identified is the “rewarding” (Yes in stepS812), the game proceeding unit 333 instructs the rewarding unit 334 toexecute the corresponding process (step S814).

FIG. 9a is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of therewarding unit 334.

The rewarding unit 334 gives the reward to the user (step S900).

The rewarding unit 334 creates the screen display data for giving reward(step S902).

The rewarding unit 334 terminates the process after returning thecreated screen display data for giving reward to the game proceedingunit 333 (step S904).

Turning back to FIG. 8b , if the type of instruction identified is the“package confirmation” (No in step S812, and Yes in step S816), the gameproceeding unit 333 instructs the package confirming unit 335 to executethe corresponding process (step S818).

FIG. 9b is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of thepackage confirming unit 335.

The package confirming unit 335 creates the screen display data forconfirming package (step S910).

The package confirming unit 335 terminates the process after returningthe created screen display data for confirming package to the gameproceeding unit 333 (step S912).

Turning back to FIG. 8b , if the type of instruction identified is the“modified package selection” (No in step S816, and Yes in step S820),the game proceeding unit 333 instructs the package updating unit 336 toexecute the corresponding process by using the type of instructionidentified as parameters (step S822).

On the other hand, if the type of instruction identified is the“modified package application” (No in step S820, and Yes in step S824),the game proceeding unit 333 interprets the received game proceedingrequest, and identifies the modified package ID (step S826).

The game proceeding unit 333 instructs the package updating unit 336 toexecute the corresponding process by using the type of instructionidentified and the identified modified package ID as parameters (stepS828).

FIG. 9c is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of thepackage updating unit 336.

If the type of instruction is the “modified package selection” (Yes instep S920), the package updating unit 336 creates the screen displaydata for selecting modified package (step S922).

On the other hand, if the type of instruction is not the “modifiedpackage selection” (No in step S920), the package updating unit 336applies, to the package, the modified package corresponding to thereceived modified package ID (step S924).

The package updating unit 336 creates the screen display data forupdating package (step S926).

The package updating unit 336 terminates the process after returning thecreated screen display data for selecting modified package, etc., to thegame proceeding unit 333 (step S928).

Turning back to FIG. 8b , if the type of instruction identified is the“package resetting” (No in step S824, and Yes in step S830), the gameproceeding unit 333 instructs the package resetting unit 337 to executethe corresponding process (step S832).

FIG. 9d is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of thepackage resetting unit 337.

The package resetting unit 337 resets the package (step S930).

The package resetting unit 337 creates the screen display data forresetting package (step S932).

The package resetting unit 337 terminates the process after returningthe created screen display data for resetting package to the gameproceeding unit 333 (step S934).

Turning back to FIG. 8b , if the type of instruction identified is noneof the above (No in step S830), the game proceeding unit 333 instructsthe game starting unit 332 to execute the corresponding process (stepS834).

The game starting unit 332 terminates the process after passing thescreen display data for giving reward, etc., returned from the rewardingunit 334, etc., on to the control unit 331 (step S836).

Turning back to FIG. 8b , the control unit 331 transmits the screendisplay data for giving reward, etc., returned from the game proceedingunit 333, to the portable device 2 via the server communication unit 31(step S714).

When the screen display data for giving reward, etc., are received fromthe server 3 via the device communication unit 21, the browsingexecuting unit 251 creates drawing data based on the received screendisplay data for giving reward, etc. The browsing executing unit 251outputs the drawing data to the display unit 24 to display the rewardingscreen, etc., (step S716).

As has been described above, by making it possible to apply varioustypes of operation such as the addition of rewards to the existingpackage, the flexibility of the reward winning game can be enhanced, andthis serves to maintain the user's interest in the game.

The present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiment.For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that themodified package is obtained by playing a battle game, but the modifiedpackage may be obtained by other means. For example, it may be obtainedby playing another reward winning game or clearing a mission (theso-called “quest”) requested by a character (the so-called NPC(Non-Player Character)) operated by a computer, or by participating inan event (for example, a RAID battle) by organizing a team with otherusers. Further, packages with different rarity levels may be obtainedaccording to the degree of difficulty of the quest, event, etc. Forexample, a package with a higher rarity level may be obtained as thedegree of difficulty of the quest, event, etc., increases. Further,packages with different rarity levels may be obtained according to thenumber of user logins, the number of executions of the reward winninggame, etc. For example, a package with a higher rarity level may beobtained as the number of user logins, the number of executions of thereward winning game, or the like increases.

Further, in the above embodiment, it has been described that there arethree types of modified package, i.e., the addition package, thedeletion package, and the replacement package, but only one or two ofthem may be made available. Furthermore, these packages may be combinedinto one package so that the various types of operation can be appliedby using the one package.

A computer program for causing a computer to execute the respectivefunctions of the device processing unit 25 and the server processingunit 33 may be provided in a form recorded on a computer readablerecording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or an opticalrecording medium.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise formdisclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Theinvention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained andillustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server device for providing a game to aplurality of user devices, the server device comprising: circuitryconfigured to: store, in a memory, a set of identifiers of a pluralityof game rewards of a data package and rarity levels of the plurality ofgame rewards; communicate with at least one of the plurality of userdevices; cause a first user of the plurality of users to participate inan event proceeding in the game; store, in the memory, a replacementpackage in association with the first user who has participated in theevent, the replacement package being related to at least one gamereward; update a group including the data package and the replacementpackage corresponding to the first user, by adding the at least one gamereward indicated by the replacement package to the group, with deletingat least one game reward in association with the first user from thegroup; generate first information for displaying an image of thereplacement package; generate second information for displaying at leasta part of images of game rewards related to the updated group on arespective user device of the first user, the images of the game rewardshaving different appearances according to the rarity levels of therespective game rewards; and give at least one game reward from theupdated group to the first user.
 2. The server device according to claim1, wherein the circuitry is configured to select the replacement packagefrom among a group of replacement packages which are determinedaccording to an outcome of the event, and give the selected replacementpackage to the first user.
 3. The server device according to claim 1,wherein the circuitry is configured to size the images of the gamerewards to be displayed on the user device, according to the raritylevels of the game rewards, respectively.
 4. The server device accordingto claim 3, wherein the circuitry is configured to increase a size of afirst image of a first game reward to be displayed on the user device,as the rarity level of the first game reward increases.
 5. The serverdevice according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configuredto generate third information for displaying a replacement-package listof a plurality of replacement packages on at least one of the userdevices, wherein the replacement-package list includes images of thegame rewards to be added to the updated group, and wherein the circuitryis configured to update the group of the data package and thereplacement package associated with the first user according to thereplacement package selected by the first user on thereplacement-package list.
 6. The server device according to claim 1,wherein the circuitry is further configured to initialize rewardgiving-status information in association with the first user so that itindicates that no game reward of the data package has been given to thefirst user and no game reward of the replacement package has been addedto the updated group in association with the first user.
 7. Anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a program for controlling a server device providing a game to aplurality of user devices, the program causing the server device toexecute a process, the process comprising: storing, in a memory, a setof identifiers of a plurality of game rewards of a data package andrarity levels of the plurality of game rewards; communicating with atleast one of the plurality of user devices; causing a first user of theplurality of users to participate in an event proceeding in the game;storing, in the memory, a replacement package in association with thefirst user who has participated in the event, the replacement packagebeing related to at least one game reward; updating a group includingthe data package and the replacement package corresponding to the firstuser, by adding the at least one game reward indicated by thereplacement package to the group, with deleting at least one game rewardin association with the first user from the group; generating firstinformation for displaying an image of the replacement package;generating second information for displaying at least a part of imagesof game rewards related to the updated group on a respective user deviceof the first user, the images of the game rewards having differentappearances according to the rarity levels of the respective gamerewards; and giving at least one game reward from the updated group tothe first user.
 8. A method for controlling a server device providing agame to a plurality of user devices, the method comprising: storing, ina memory, a set of identifiers of a plurality of game rewards of a datapackage and rarity levels of the plurality of game rewards;communicating with at least one of the plurality of user devices;causing a first user of the plurality of users to participate in anevent proceeding in the game; storing, in the memory, a replacementpackage in association with the first user who has participated in theevent, the replacement package being related to at least one gamereward; updating a group including the data package and the replacementpackage corresponding to the first user, by adding the at least one gamereward indicated by the replacement package to the group, with deletingat least one name reward in association with the first user from thegroup; generating first information for displaying an image of thereplacement package; generating second information for displaying atleast a part of images of game rewards related to the updated group on arespective user device of the first user, the images of the game rewardshaving different appearances according to the rarity levels of therespective game rewards; and giving at least one game reward from theupdated group to the first user.